Human After All

Archive Log: 05

"If something has the capability to feel, don't you think it should without question? If there is some semblance of life, shouldn't it be lived? Sir, you hired me straight from university to work on this project, that was how many years ago now? I've worked on 6, I was here when I saw the first lot get approved and processed for manufacturing. Because of one slip up, you are...what, giving up on 8? He is alive, sir, and he feels...deeply at that, and it is unfortunate that 6 was the result of his misunderstandings. But I do not think that this isolated reason is reason enough to stop. You promised the world a new android, how can you suddenly back out of this? Wouldn't that give Yutani all the ammunition they would need to steal potential loyal Weyland buyers and stock owners?" Truthfully, Alma could not remember the last time where she had to give such an honest speech to anyone, let alone Peter Weyland. He remained behind a large desk, looking rather simply up at her. She'd been back at work for an hour, if that, and had instantly been called up to his office. Of course she foresaw this coming. She had heard about what had happened, and she intended to give David a lecture for what he did to 6, he had to understand that that was wrong; only because he felt suddenly angry, and conflicted it did not mean he had the right to harm 6 for whatever reason.

The last thing she honestly expected though was for Weyland to show some form of uncertain doubt. "I am not suggesting dropping the project, I am merely suggesting tweaking it."

Alma stood and did what she presumed was a rather good goldfish impression. "You want me to tweak what's already been tweaked, sir?" She felt like she had to ask. David was a tweaked version of 6, how much more tweaking could a model have, exactly before its programming started rebelling? The thought of a rebelling android synthetic caused her to shudder and shift uncomfortably.

"Not so hard to understand, is it?" With the one look sent her way she got it, he was done. Alma muttered a bye and exited the room. She rubbed at her sling covered arm. Though the MedPod had fixed her bone, she still needed to keep it supported for it to properly finish mending itself. She was fine with that really, or at least she would've been if she hadn't got to seemingly get into some hardware with one hand!

With a sigh she ran her hand down her face, maybe there was a way out of this? Honestly, she didn't believe there was anything wrong with David or his programming. He was well behaved and did what was asked of him without question, this was an isolated incident that stemmed from her. But then she probably would lash out or break down if she found out someone close to her had suddenly been hurt. That seemed like a natural reaction.

The company wanted a realistic AI within a synthetic body to emulate a human, and low and behold here he was, but now they were doubting themselves. What did they want? They clearly didn't want 6, and they didn't wholly want 8, so what did they want? There was no in between here. Either accept David and his moments of emotional turmoil when feeling passionately about something, or don't. There was honestly nothing she could do other than cut – maybe not literally – the wire which caused him to feel anger and sadness. But then what'd be the point of that? He wouldn't understand when someone felt those two emotions if they were suddenly gone. Then he would be back to being a fancier version of 6, which he technically already was, but he differed so hugely from 6.

"Problems, Miss?" Was the polite greeting she got as she walked into the room. She shot him a look, David looked perplexed, he'd never been sent that look by her before. Alma had always been smiles and happiness with the occasional tired look. She had never looked annoyed, least of all at him. "What's wrong?" He asked in a more serious tone as he followed her about the room. "Are you in pain?" She still didn't answer him and David just felt himself growing rather annoyed in return. "Miss, please do not ignore me, I don't like it."

With a sad sounding sigh she hung her head and pointed to the table. "Sit down, David. You and me need a little heart to heart."

"But I-"